Pianofest in the Hamptons returns to the East End this summer for six weeks of intimate piano recitals at venues in Southampton, East Hampton and Westhampton. This year’s programming — celebrating Pianofest’s 35th season — runs from June 26 to July 31.
Founded by pianist Paul Schenly in 1988, Pianofest began as a creative vision: a community of pianists and piano lovers surrounded by the immaculate natural wonders of the East End. Every summer, a group of highly gifted pianists from major conservatories across the globe travel to the Hamptons to study with luminaries of the piano world. Practice sessions and master classes take place in a classic house in East Hampton where students have access to 11 grand pianos including one in the kitchen.
More than 500 pianists have passed through the festival-school’s doors over the past three decades — including Deutsche Grammophon recording artist Sergei Babayan, Michelle Cann, Awadagin Pratt, Orion Weiss and Steinway Artists Anderson & Roe Piano Duo.
This summer, Pianofest will highlight 18 young artists — all emerging stars in the piano world — in concert. In addition to six Monday evening concerts in Southampton, the 2023 season also includes three performances in East Hampton and one recital in Westhampton.
Each concert promises an exceptional evening of world-class music making and opportunities for guest artists and the Hamptons community to meet and mingle during celebratory post-concert receptions. General admission tickets for Southampton and East Hampton concerts are $30 at the door (cash only). No reservations are needed. Students can attend any Pianofest performance for free. No reservations are needed. Season subscriptions available online at pianofest.com. All six Monday evening concerts in Southampton are $180. Tickets for the Westhampton concert are $23.
Levitas Center for the Arts, Southampton Cultural Center, 25 Pond Lane, Southampton
Season Opening Concert: Monday, June 26, at 5 p.m.
Avram Theater, 239 Montauk Highway, Southampton — All concerts at 5 p.m.
Monday, July 3; Monday, July 10; Monday, July 17; Monday, July 24; Monday, July 31
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 18 James Lane, East Hampton — All concerts at 6 p.m.
Wednesday, June 28; Wednesday, July 5; Wednesday, July 26
Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main Street, Westhampton Beach
Thursday, July 27 at 7 p.m.
Staff Writer on Jun 10, 2023